Acquisitions & disposals

We can help with all elements of the acquisition process. We carry out due diligence, structure the transactions to reduce tax liabilities, draw up contracts and negotiate with the seller, advise on insurance, shipping, import and export considerations, tax and after-sale warranties, and set up escrow arrangements so that the transaction can be completed efficiently.

For collectors and their estates intending to dispose of works of art, we provide an equally comprehensive service. If the sale is by auction, we negotiate the contract with the auction house, as well as auction guarantees and advances over sale proceeds. If it is a private sale, we draft the sales contract and negotiate with the buyer. Our advice also covers insurance-related issues and taxation.

Recent work

  • Acting for a Russian billionaire in the acquisition of several art collections. 
  • Advising a British landed family selling a major collection of French Old Master paintings. 
  • Assisting the trustees of a London-based art-collecting family in the purchase of an installation from a well-known contemporary artist. 
  • Acting for a British collector in a loan of precious jewels for an exhibition.
  • Representing a Pennsylvania family in auctioning rare 19th Century artwork through Sotheby's New York.

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